Individual Herbs Notebook

Shui Su

Pharmaceutical: Herba Stachys japonicae
Taxonomy: Stachys japonica

Other names: Japanese Betony

Category: Substances that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors



Properties: Pungent, warm

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Stomach and Lung


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Subdues Wind and regulate Qi
    Nasal sinusitis, Wind-Heat headache, sudden deafness
    Wheezing, dizziness
    Post-partum Wind-Stroke
  2. Regulates the Blood and stops bleeding
    Nosebleed, vomiting blood, blood in the urine
    Abnormal uterine bleeding
    Bruises
  3. Resolves Toxicity and Malign Qi
    sore throat, bad breath
  4. Aids fasting
    Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the middle class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, enable one to communicate withe Spirit Light (Shen Ming 神明), make the body light, and slow ageing. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).

Suggested Daily Dosage: No dosages are given.


Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
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